Please tell us a bit about yourself…
I used to work in IT, but for the last 5 years I’ve been a stay-at-home mum to my 5 year old identical twin girls, Sophie and Eve. I’m married to Martin. We live in Tasmania, home to clean air, beautiful wilderness and superb food. We have pet chooks and fish and lots of space. Life is good :)

What's the story behind KidStyleFile?
I started KidStyleFile.com.au 18 months ago because there was nothing out there like it, and I wanted something like it and thought others might get a kick out of it too.

KidStyleFile is a one-stop, reliable resource for parents to learn out about the best products – from fashion to toys to books to decor, and more - in the baby and kids market, meet the designers behind the products, and to find out all about the best places to shop. We run daily promotions as well as inspiration pieces, so there’s always something new and exciting happening.

What's been your most exciting/fulfilling/wonderful moment since launching KSF?
Being constantly inspired by the people – readers, designers, store owners, writers - I come into contact with through KidStyleFile.

What would your advice be to other entrepreneurial mums out there?
If you see an opportunity out there then go for it! Let your passion guide you and do tons of research. Play to your strengths and get the right people to do the bits you’re not so strong on. Take calculated risks, and be prepared to work a lot of long hours. It *is* worth it.

How do you make the kids/work/life juggle work?
I prioritise family during daylight hours, then work at night. Sleep and housework have been pretty much removed from the program!

How would you describe your own personal style?
Eclectic. I favour a treasure trove approach with lots of art and designed objects to look at to preserve memories and inspire imagination. I love the detailing in clothing from the 1920-1950s. I have a thing for nice, quality fabrics – I have a whole drawer of covered buttons with fabrics that tickle me. I love pieces that tell a story through the detail in them.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Oh, it changed quite often. A vet. An Olympic equestrian. Princess Leia from Star Wars (I wrote to Carrie Fisher and told her, and she sent me an autographed photo from Empire Strikes Back: I was very chuffed!) I’m thankful for the journey, but what I’m doing right now beats all those things.

What would your three desert island items be?
Beyond my family and pets, Lucas’ Pawpaw Ointment (I’m addicted to it as a lip balm, and it could be handy for sunburn on a desert island!), my iPhone and my laptop - with an internet connection of course; that way I could access all the other things I’m missing out on!

www.kidstylefile.com.au

Summer is almost here (hoorah!) and we’re getting ready to crack open the SPF30+ and put the woollies away for hibernation.

In preparation for an amazing season of style ahead, we have just completed our summer photo shoot and wanted to share some behind the scenes shots with you!

The photos will give you a taste of what’s in store for summer and show you just how much fun we had on the day shooting our little models in the latest looks.

Photographed by Maree Homer, who as always brought out the best in all of the kids and has created some stunning images. Thank you to Maree for capturing all the special moments the naked eye can miss.

A BIG thank you also to our models and their parents who worked so hard to make the results wonderful.

It’s always a slightly crazy day - but as we discovered on the day, there’s nothing that a natural confectionery company snake (or two!) can’t solve (and that goes for the adults as well as the kids!).

Tyler and his mum Carmel

Baby Ava is introduced to Ava (the Alimrose doll) by mum Carly

Maddison (wearing BIG by Fiona Scanlan top and Peace street skirt) plays at being a fairy (with a little inspiration from Belinda!)

Mum Katy sorts out identical twins Alexa and Remy (wearing Ivy Designs summer dresses)

Maddison and her mum Diane



Photographer Maree (seated on floor wearing scarf), Daniela (pregnant with baby number 2...and feeling the need for a sit down!) and Carly and Ava take a breather



Sweet little Leela and her dad (who was an amazing sport and did as much jumping around and singing and dancing as we did!)

Ava's mum can't resist taking a quick mobile pic of her precious little lady!

Lochlainn cuddles up to aunty Jo (who was very sweet and brought him along for our shoot as mum was unable to attend - thank you so much!)

Maree in action shooting Lochlainn